Colombia to Win Odds

Colombia are very much among the outsiders for this summer’s World Cup in Brazil and if you are having a bet on the South Americans to win the trophy, you can get a very generous best odds of 33/1 with Bet365. That figure seems to rule Jose Pekerman’s team out of the equation but there are some good reasons why the Colombians might be worth a pound or two at that figure.

Qualification

Argentina are second favourites to win the World Cup but only just managed to edge out Colombia in qualification. Pekerman’s men finished in second place after a strong campaign with their home defeat to the Argentines proving crucial.

However, the qualifying rounds produced some impressive results including a 5-0 win over Bolivia and the coach would have been particularly pleased to have the most economical defence in the whole of qualifying.

Colombia’s Group

The draw for the opening rounds was kind to the Colombians who will face Japan, Greece and the Ivory Coast in Group C. All of those sides have made an impact at major tournaments in the past and can be dangerous but Colombia are the hot favourites to win the section at odds of 4/5 with Bet365.

From those teams, the Ivory Coast are second favourites to top the group so the crucial tie takes place on 19th June when the two sides meet. Colombia should certainly progress, even if they come through in second place and their record in qualifying suggests they will be a threat to any side.

Colombia’s squad

Defence

The Colombians conceded just 13 goals in their CONMEBOL qualifying section, two less than eventual winners Argentina and Pekerman will be relying on his defence to maintain that record in this summer’s World Cup.

The squad contains two experienced keepers in Faryd Mondragon and David Ospina while 38 year old Mario Yepes could reach the 100 cap milestone during this tournament. If there is a concern in the back four it is over the age of these players – Yepes is joined by 35 year old Luis Perea.

Midfield

Inter Milan’s Fredy Guarin could be one of the hottest properties during this summer’s transfer window and the midfielder adds a defensive balance to the central line. There’s plenty of creativity here too in Abel Aguilar and Monaco’s exciting James Rodriguez.

It’s an impressive midfield but on occasions it needs to support the strikers and contribute more goals.

Attack

Colombia’s real strength lies in attack where Radamel Falcao is acknowledged as one of the greatest strikers in World football. However, it’s been an injury hit season for the 28 year old since his multi million pound switch from Atletico Madrid to Monaco.

Falcao has appeared in just 17 league games for the Ligue 1 giants, scoring nine times, and the coach will be desperate to have him fit and firing in Brazil. The main striker will be supported by Porto’s Jackson Martinez, who has eight goals in 26 full international appearances while Adrian Ramos will be battling with Martinez for a place in the starting XI.

A strong attack and a mean defence is combined with a soft opening group and Colombia look a certainty for the knockout phase of Brazil 2014. From that point, the draw has to be kind to them and while an outright win might be a little too optimistic, odds of 9/2 with Bet365 on a semi final place may well be worth a stake.